NAAFA Chicago Convention website up!

[Eclectic_Girl]

NAAFA 2007 registration is now open! Go to www.naafa.org (http://www.naafa.org)for all the details and a link to online registration.

At this year's convention, NAAFA intends to bring you more! We are packing this year's convention full of even more incredible workshops where you can learn to challenge your own thinking, move your body, build a network of like-minded people, and help change the world. We are having more meals together because some of the best ideas have been born and friendships forged while sharing food with others. Because we’re going back to a 6-day schedule, there will be more time for catching up with old friends and more time for making new ones. More swimming, more dancing, more shopping, more laughing, more flirting, more fun! In the words of disco queen Andrea True: More, More, More!

This year, we will focus on Creating Community in the size acceptance movement. We will be exploring ways we can take the "convention glow" home with us and sustain it in our everyday lives. We’ll pay special attention to the important role that local chapters play in nurturing us and furthering our growth as individuals and as an organization. We’ll also discuss how we can reach out to other individuals and organizations fighting to protect the civil rights and human dignity of people of all sizes.

And of course, there will be plenty of time during the convention itself to bask in the support of the size acceptance community and the freedom of being in an environment without ridicule and blame. Liberate your mind by learning to love yourself as you are now. Express all the anger and joy, the frustration and pleasure of life in a large body. Show off that body (that’s right – show it off!) splashing in the pool or strutting down the catwalk or getting funky on the dance floor. Go shopping and get your friends’ opinion on outfits that you actually get to try on before buying! All of these wonderful things that most people take for granted are available to you, too, and we want to provide you with the opportunity to experience them together. Many people say that the experiences they had at convention were life-changing for them – how will this year’s convention change you?

[indy500tchr]

Am I blind? I don't see it. I clicked on Events & Conventions but they still have the 2006 stuff still on top.

[SoVerySoft]

Am I blind? I don't see it. I clicked on Events & Conventions but they still have the 2006 stuff still on top.

There is a big banner in the middle of the page that you click on. No need to use the left navigation bar.

[indy500tchr]

There is a big banner in the middle of the page that you click on. No need to use the left navigation bar.

OMFG I am blind!!!! LOL :D now i feel sheepish

[SoVerySoft]

OMFG I am blind!!!! LOL :D now i feel sheepish

I know...you were so excited you missed it :)

[Zoom]

Ah! It's nice to see the details for the convention finally. Along with the high prices that will keep me from attending, even for just the weekend package.

However, I wish the rest of you bon temps at the event.

[Eclectic_Girl]

Ah! It's nice to see the details for the convention finally. Along with the high prices that will keep me from attending, even for just the weekend package.

However, I wish the rest of you bon temps at the event.

You're local, right? The Friday and Saturday dances are $25 each.

ETA:
I just realized the the individual events info didn't make it to the website (it's on the downloadable registration form). Here it is:

Chicago Tour $59
Wednesday Pool Party (w/Snacks) + Hospitality Party $30
Fashion Show (w/Desserts) $35
Thursday Late-Night Pool Party + Hospitality Party $15
Club Retro Dance $25
Grand Ball (dance only) $25

[HereticFA]

When will the list of workshop topics and presenters be made available?

[Ivy]

You're local, right? The Friday and Saturday dances are $25 each.

ETA:
I just realized the the individual events info didn't make it to the website (it's on the downloadable registration form). Here it is:

Chicago Tour $59
Wednesday Pool Party (w/Snacks) + Hospitality Party $30
Fashion Show (w/Desserts) $35
Thursday Late-Night Pool Party + Hospitality Party $15
Club Retro Dance $25
Grand Ball (dance only) $25

So, we can just attend a dance or two?? I know that there is a tiny possibility that I will be able to afford a one day package, but I am not entirely sure yet. I want to attend SOMETHING, as it is here in Chicago and I would feel like a big toolbox if I didn't...

Also, I am not actually a NAAFA.. can I still attend?

[Eclectic_Girl]

When will the list of workshop topics and presenters be made available?

I've given presenters until May 1 to write up their proposals. It will probably take me a week or two afterward to figure out the jigsaw puzzle of who can do what and where.

So, we can just attend a dance or two?? I know that there is a tiny possibility that I will be able to afford a one day package, but I am not entirely sure yet. I want to attend SOMETHING, as it is here in Chicago and I would feel like a big toolbox if I didn't...

Also, I am not actually a NAAFA.. can I still attend?

Yep, you sure can! As a matter o' fact, if you register formally (as opposed to just forking over the dough at the door), we'll sign you up for a 1-year NAAFA membership at no extra charge!

The dances will be fantabulous, but don't forget the pool parties and fashion show, too. The earlier in the week you com, the more chance you have to meet people and make friends. Plus, y'know, fat chicks in bikinis - what's not to like?

[Eclectic_Girl]

Hi, all -

Sorry it's taken so long to have this ready - there was a delay in the approval process. But here it is, now:

NAAFA Convention 2007
Tuesday, July 10
10:00 am - 4:00 pm Chicago Tour
Hop on the trolley with us! We’ve chartered an old-style trolley for a day-long tour that will motor us past the highlights of downtown Chicago and make a few excursions into the neighborhoods that give this city its flavor. We’ll see Chinatown, Greektown, Old Town, Little Italy, the Sears Tower, the Gold Coast, the Museum campus, Millennium Park, Grant Park, Navy Pier, Lakeshore Drive, The Loop, Michigan Avenue, and Oprah’s studios! Whew! Luckily for our feet, this is a drive-by tour. We will make a couple of stops, though: one to zip up a high-speed elevator to the observatory on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Tower (admission included in the tour price), and one at Navy Pier for lunch and shopping. Have a “chezborger and Coke, no Pepsi” at the Billy Goat Tavern or grab a Chicago hot dog with all the fixins in the food court. Then hit the vendor carts to pick up a souvenir, browse the international boutiques, or get temporarily tattooed!

5:00 pm- 8:00 pm Early Registration
All full-package attendees are invited to take care of business early, so you don’t miss a minute of the convention activities!

5:00 pm-Midnight Hospitality Room - Milk & Cookies Potluck
After you register, come join us for cookies & milk, games, and conversation. Bring your own goodies and recipes to swap in our first baked goods potluck! There will be games and plenty of opportunity to relax, renew old friendships, and make new ones.

Wednesday, July 11
9:00 am-10:30 am Morning Registration
9:00 am-11:00 am Games & Hospitality Room open
This friendly, welcoming area will be open at various times for you to meet and mingle with other convention attendees. Open during hours listed on the schedule, it will have board games available to those who'd like a smaller, more intimate area to mingle rather than the large crowds at our evening events. When open, this area will be available to all registered attendees.

11:00 am-2:00 pm Welcoming Brunch and Annual General Meeting
Welcome to our first meal together! In addition to sharing some yummy food, we’ll have the opportunity to reconnect and express ourselves creatively in a couple of fun activities. Then, the Board of Directors will lead a discussion of the current state of NAAFA and the direction we should take in the future. Special attention will be focused on the role of chapters in bringing our message of acceptance and support to the world. NAAFA can only be relevant if we make our voices heard, so bring your questions, concerns, and ideas.

2:00 pm-8:00 pm Games & Hospitality Room open
2:00 pm-6:00 pm Afternoon Registration
2:30 pm-4:00 pm Orientation
Get the inside scoop on the convention and meet your fellow attendees! Orientation introduces you to NAAFA as a source of empowerment and helps explain the avenues available to fat people for support and human rights. We'll also get a chance to share our hopes, concerns, and expectations for our convention experience. Although orientation is especially recommended for first-time attendees, it's a great way for anyone to re-immerse themselves in the world of size acceptance and help welcome the newbies!

2:30 pm-4:00 pm Press Conference
The press conference is an opportunity for the media to explore the concept of size acceptance by hearing from us directly. NAAFA’s Board of Directors is presenting our mission to the press on Thursday morning. The press conference is open to all registered attendees, but please note that seating is limited and cannot be reserved.

2:30 pm-4:00 pm Surviving the War on Obesity
In this workshop, participants will find how self-care and self-acceptance can help them survive the war on obesity, which feels like a war on fat people. How has the war on obesity affected you and others you know? How can it help people to make peace with our bodies and food? How can this new peace movement help improve our relationships and help us defend our boundaries? Join us for this presentation and discussion on how you can survive and help promote the new peace movement! Discussion leader Kelly Bliss, M.Ed., is a lifestyle coach and personal trainer by phone.

4:30 pm-6:00 pm Life’s Too Short for Self-Hatred and Celery Sticks
Join the flabulous Marilyn Wann in this introduction to the basic principles of size acceptance. We’ll talk about doing what it takes to live life fully, learn to love the bodies we have, and confront any fears of the “F” word. We’ll also explore the typical arguments made against accepting ourselves and brainstorm practical tips for responding to them. This workshop is recommended for first-time attendees (and anyone else who needs a booster shot of positivity!)

4:30 pm-6:00 pm Educating the Media
Activists wanted! Do you turn as green as The Hulk when the media call us “obese”, show pictures of headless fat bodies, or otherwise do us grave injustice? This is our chance to come together and create a media educational pamphlet intended to educate the media on how to treat us with fairness, integrity, and respect! This brainstorming session will be facilitated by Mychii Null.

4:30 pm-6:00 pm Real People Workout
Psychotherapist, size activist, and fitness professional Kelly Bliss offers a fun and safe workout for people of all sizes, from barely large to very large. Get moving together and appreciate yourself and each other! This workshop includes both discussion and a workout. We will talk about the joy of movement, and problem-solve the obstacles. You will come away with great ideas for adding enjoyable movement to your life.

8:00 pm-11:00 pm Private Pool Party
Life’s a beach! This special private pool party gives us a chance to splash and float in the hotel’s large indoor pool, or have snacks under the stars on the adjacent patio. Whether you’re dipping your toes in the water for the first time in years or debuting your newest bikini, this promises to be a night of fun and frolic!

11:00 pm-2:00 am Hospitality Room Party

Thursday, July 12
9:00 am-11:00 am Morning Registration
9:00 am-11:30 am Games & Hospitality Room open
9:30 am-11:00 am Movin’ & Groovin’
Back by popular demand, fitness goddess Lisa Tealer and dancin' diva Dana Schuster will give you the best movement-to-music class ever. This will be an aerobic class that will fit everyone.

9:30 am-11:00 am Gardening as Metaphor for Life
Sprinkle yourself with love and acceptance and you can have the life your heart desires! Join Barbara Spaulding in a fun and informative workshop where you will learn new ways to look at self esteem, acceptance and nurturing through the metaphor of gardening. What does your “self garden” need to grow? Identify new goals or dust off the old ones. How can you have an abundant life today? Barbara Spaulding, LCSW, MFT, and Coach, is one of the founders of the Abundia Retreat, now in its 14th year.

9:30 am-11:00 am Diet Recovery
The journey from restrictive eating to healthy eating - independent of weight - is very personal and different for everyone. In this workshop we will explore some common paths people take on this journey. In our group discussion, we will support each other in our personal experience toward self-care and self-acceptance. Discussion leader Kelly Bliss, M.Ed., is a lifestyle coach and personal trainer by phone.

11:30 pm-2:00 pm Keynote Lunch
We’ll gather together again to share a meal, check in with each other, build on new relationships, and listen to a keynote address by Lily O’Hara, PhD, a professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, who will discuss her research into holistic approaches to health and well-being.

2:00 pm-6:00 pm Afternoon Registration
2:00 pm-8:00 pm Games & Hospitality Room open
2:30 pm-4:00 pm Sculpting with Polymer Clay
Create your own memento of your convention experience! Diana Morreo will demonstrate techniques for using polymer clay to sculpt jewelry or small figurines.

2:30 pm-4:00 pm Integrated Health Care
This informal workshop will provide a place where people of size can share their health concerns and brainstorm together about alternative and traditional modes of therapy that have been helpful to them.

2:30 pm-4:00 pm Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries is a vital skill for our mental health. Barbara Altman Bruno, Ph.D., Clinical Social Worker, will lead this workshop, where we will learn how to discover and set our limits in relationships, at work, and in other areas of our lives.

4:30 pm-6:00 pm Holding Out for the Right One
Cathy Woods-Wild leads this discussion (for women only) of BBW dating in the real world. How do you find Mr. Wonderful? We will talk about the challenges we face in dating in the real world and the many avenues from Internet dating to blind dates. Bring all suggestions and questions you may have and be ready for a wide range of opinions. The most important thing we will discuss is the caution we all need to use in any type of dating.

4:30 pm-6:00 pm Chapter Summit
Are you a leader in a local NAAFA chapter? Have you thought about starting a chapter in your area? Then you'll want to attend this group discussion to share ideas and strategies for creating the opportunity to bring the NAAFA experience to your community. Board member Phyllis Warr will facilitate discussion and share the Board's plans for engaging more people at the local level.

4:30 pm-6:00 pm Tap Your Way to Self-Empowerment and Happiness
Come learn the basics of a powerful yet easy method, based on ancient Chinese medicine, where you can help yourself remove limiting beliefs that are blocking your happiness, success, self-care, and/or wellness as a fat person. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a method of using your fingers and hands to tap specific points – acupressure points – to remove the emotional charge of such beliefs, and blast through “stuckness”, obsessive thoughts and behaviors, and blockages standing between you and your joy. This workshop is presented by life coach Anne Kaplan, PhD.

4:30 pm-6:00 pm Adapting Yoga for Curvy Bodies
Today we are bombarded by magazines, news segments on TV, commercials, movies, with images of young flexible bodies doing yoga. While yoga has become a big business, it isn't just for the super-flexible gumby-girls: you don't have to be thin to enjoy the benefits of yoga! Instructor Meera Patricia Kerr has been teaching yoga for almost 30 years, and has produced the popular DVD “Big Yoga”.

8:00 pm-10:30 pm Fashion Show
A convention favorite! Get a preview of the fashions being offered at the Vendor Fair, ranging from casual to formalwear, with stops at the office and the club along the way. And if you’ve always wanted to work the runway, here’s your chance: all of our pampered models are convention attendees!

10:30 pm-1:00 am Late Night Pool Party
Need to cool off after the Fashion Show? Take a dip with the rest of the night owls at this private late-night shindig!

10:30 pm-1:00 am Games & Hospitality Room open
1:00 am-3:00 am Hospitality Room Party

Friday, July 13
9:00 am-11:30 am Morning Registration
9:00 am-11:30 am Games & Hospitality Room open
9:30 am-11:00 am Strength & Stretch with Bands & Balls
Join health and fitness instructor Dana Schuster for a Health at Every Size accessible-to-all exercise class focusing on stretching and strengthening your body using basic workout props.

9:30 am-11:00 am Writing Ourselves as Fat Poets
Fat Poets Unite and Write! Come together as we strengthen our love for poetry and writing in our own authentic voices as fat poets. We have something to say to the world and to ourselves. Unveil your own heartsongs and rhythms in this fat-positive poetry workshop, led by Lesleigh Owen.

9:30 am-11:00 am Not Yo Momma’s NAAFA
How does NAAFA attract the next generation of fat activists? How can NAAFA build community and offer support to young fat men and women in their teens and twenties? The goal of this workshop, led by Jessica Gagnon, is to brainstorm ideas and draft a strategic plan for expanding NAAFA’s membership in the younger demographics.

10:00 am-6:00 pm Vendor Fair
From size-positive art to accessories to clothing for any occasion, you’re bound to find something you can’t live without from our fabulous vendors! Grab a bunch of friends and head to the atrium for the ultimate shopping spree where it’s easy to find clothes that fit like they were made for you!

11:30 pm-2:00 pm Auction Lunch
One of our most spirited and entertaining fundraising events every year! Preview the auction items at Registration and keep track of the bids. The most highly contested items will be brought to this lunch for a showdown between friendly bidding rivals for top-quality goods and, of course, bragging rights.

2:00 pm-5:00 pm Afternoon Registration
2:00 pm-8:00 pm Games & Hospitality Room open
2:30 pm-4:00 pm Spreading the Message with YouTube
The hottest thing on the internet right now is homespun video clips on YouTube, with "Fat Rant" by Joy Nash and "Remember Me" by 15-year-old Lizzie Palmer gaining the attention of mainstream media and garnering millions of views. What an incredible tool for passing our message of size acceptance to the world! Join Board members Jason Docherty and Peggy Howell as we brainstorm and create "Fat Minutes" from NAAFA. Bring your video cameras or cell phones with video capability and let's get creative!

2:30 pm-4:00 pm The Sexuality Reclamation Project for Women, Pt. 1
This workshop, presented by empowerment coach Kathy Barron, is for you if you want to: reclaim your sexual and personal power; discover who you are and what you authentically feel, believe, and desire sexually; explore what YOU want in relationships; develop boundaries that are appropriate for you; learn how to ask for sexual pleasure; and feel more at home in your body and comfortable with your sexuality. This workshop is for women only.

2:30 pm-4:00 pm Lymphedema/Cellulitis Discussion Group
Have you been diagnosed with lymphedema or cellulitis? Do you have questions about the care you are receiving (or providing for yourself)? Do you wonder what this means for you, long term? Nancy LeDoux leads this open discussion of the challenges, concerns, and methods of coping with these conditions.

4:30 pm-6:00 pm Plus-Size Pregnancy Slide Show
Pregnancy is an area of much size bias and discrimination, yet it has not received much attention in the size-acceptance movement. This emotionally powerful slide show depicts real women of size in pregnancy and birth, showing that big moms CAN have healthy pregnancies and births, too. This slideshow is for EVERYONE, male or female, old or young, because this issue affects ourselves, our daughters, cousins, nieces, sisters, friends, and grandchildren.

4:30 pm-6:00 pm Life in a Super-Sized Body
Join leader Nancy Harber in a frank discussion of the special considerations involved in being a super-sized woman. Topics will include falls and how to get up or instruct others to help you up in a way that will not hurt you. Also, we will talk about what the future holds for the SuperSIG. We will be discussing very intimate and personal matters relating to health, hygiene, and life in general for the super-sized woman; therefore, this workshop is open to super-sized women only.

4:30 pm-6:00 pm Fat Admirers
Fat Admirers (FAs) sometime suffer problems with family and friends because they prefer a fat partner. Discrimination against a fat person also affects the fat person's partner, emotionally and financially. We will discuss how to deal with these issues, and how to enrich both our lives and our partner's lives. This workshop is facilitated by Bob Sponaugle.

4:30 pm-6:00 pm Adapting Yoga for Curvy Bodies
Today we are bombarded by magazines, news segments on TV, commercials, movies, with images of young flexible bodies doing yoga. While yoga has become a big business, it isn't just for the super-flexible gumby-girls: you don't have to be thin to enjoy the benefits of yoga! Instructor Meera Patricia Kerr has been teaching yoga for almost 30 years, and has produced the popular DVD “Big Yoga”.

9:00 pm-2:00 am Club Retro
We’re rocking it old school tonight with a groovy dance that takes us back to the ‘70s. Boogie on down to your favorite funk and disco tunes (and whatever the heck “Kung Fu Fighting” is classified as). Haul those bell-bottoms out of storage, get yourself a vintage puka shell necklace, or go all out with the sequins. Prizes will be given for the most authentic and detailed costumes. Have a nice day!

10:00 pm-1:30 am Games & Hospitality Room open
For those who prefer a quieter evening, the Hospitality room will be open for lower-key socializing and board games.

1:30 am-3:30 am Hospitality Room Party

Saturday, July 14
9:00 am-Noon Morning Registration
9:00 am-6:30 pm Games & Hospitality Room open
10:00 am-6:00 pm Vendor Fair
From size-positive art to accessories to clothing for any occasion, you’re bound to find something you can’t live without from our fabulous vendors! Grab a bunch of friends and head to the atrium for the ultimate shopping spree where it’s easy to find clothes that fit like they were made for you!

10:00 am-11:30 pm Water Aerobics
Come splash along to the music and have fun while moving your body! Because it works with our bodies' natural buoyancy, water aerobics uses the water's resistance rather than high-impact movements to give us a great workout. Our leader and all-around cool fat chick, Melissa Taylor, who is certified by the Aquatic Exercise Association, can show us the best way to modify and adjust for our individual needs.

10:00 am-11:30 pm The Sexuality Reclamation Project for Women, Pt. 2
This workshop, presented by empowerment coach Kathy Barron, is for you if you want to: reclaim your sexual and personal power; discover who you are and what you authentically feel, believe, and desire sexually; explore what YOU want in relationships; develop boundaries that are appropriate for you; learn how to ask for sexual pleasure; and feel more at home in your body and comfortable with your sexuality. This workshop is for women only.

10:00 am-11:30 pm Intuitive Eating
Intuitive eating is an ability nearly every person is born with. When we go on or are put on diets, however, we can lose that ability. In this workshop, Barbara Altman Bruno will help you learn the basics about reclaiming your natural ability to eat appropriately and enjoyably for your body. If possible, come to the workshop hungry and with something you would like to eat in the workshop room.

1:30 pm-3:30 pm Coffeehouse
Let your creativity loose! In this coffeehouse we'll share poetry, songs, short skits, and short stories or essays -- either original or supplied -- all having to do with our experiences, thoughts, and feelings as fat people. Those with original entries prepared during the Fat Poetry workshop and members of the Fat Poets Society will be given priority. Come prepared to share, listen, cry, and laugh together. This event is free to all registered attendees, and hot beverages will be available at a nominal fee.

2:15 pm-3:45 pm Aging in Our Fat Bodies
Presenters: Lynn Ellen Marcus, M.S. and Barbara Altman Bruno, PhD. Many of us have vital, active lives that defy the assumptions that we are unhealthy. Medical science has gathered very little information about us, including how aging will affect our large and super-sized bodies. Yet we face universal challenges. Let’s discuss ways to be proactive as we continue to age.

2:15 pm-3:45 pm The NAAFA Gentlemen’s Club
Join Board Chairperson Jason Docherty in this retreat for men, where BHM and FAs can relax and talk freely about “guy stuff” and share a few tips on being a gentleman in the modern world. Tuxedos, single-malt whisky, and (unlit) cigars are optional.

2:15 pm-3:45 pm Beyond BMI: Assessing Holistic, Ecological Health & Well Being
Presenter: Lily O’Hara. Participants in this workshop will critique a new questionnaire designed to assess holistic, ecological health and well being. The draft Red Lotus Health and Well Being Questionnaire is based on the principles of HAES and assesses: mental, physical and spiritual health and well being; knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that influence health and well being; and relationships with environmental conditions that contribute to health and well being – with no reference to body shape or size.

3:00 pm-5:00 pm Afternoon Registration
4:00 pm-5:30 pm Everything You Wanted to Know About BBWs & SSBBWs (But Were Afraid to Ask)
Cathy Woods-Wild, a lifelong SSBBW, leads this frank discussion that is open to men only. Are there questions you have always wanted to ask the BBWs or SSBBWs in your life, but you’ve been embarrassed to? Here’s your chance! Find out what to consider when taking an SSBBW out on a date. Learn ways to make your partner’s life easier without making her feel like her independence is threatened. Improve communication with your partner so that neither of you is embarrassed to talk about sensitive subjects. FAs – don’t miss this workshop!

4:00 pm-5:30 pm Bolstering the Emotional Immune System: Stereotype Management Skills
Presenter: Deb Burgard, PhD. Internalizing features of the fat stereotype weakens one's ability to successfully navigate and cope with the "pollution" of fat bias and bigotry. People from many stigmatized groups have shown resilience and creativity however, in being able to craft satisfying lives and rewarding relationships and there is value in studying the skills they have brought to bear to meet this challenge. This workshop conceptualizes these skills as a kind of emotional immune system, and explores the features of this system and how it can mount a defense against the toxic culture while we are actively working toward a world free from weight stigma in the first place.

4:00 pm-5:30 pm Come Home to Your Body: Movement for Awareness, Acceptance and Pleasure
Presenter: Barbara Meyer, PhD. Participants in this experiential session will learn techniques that can be integrated into any exercise/movement class to support a HAES environment inspired by mind-body movement forms, we’ll explore the use of attention, sensation, and comfort to shift the focus from weight loss to being more alive in the bodies we have today.

7:30 pm 9:00 pm Grand Ball Dinner/Awards
Join us for dinner and drinks with old friends and new. A wonderful meal and conversation is a great way to kick off our last night of dancing and laughter. We will also be honoring some of the people who contribute to NAAFA in many ways.

9:00 pm-2:00 am Grand Ball Dance
How often do we get a chance to dress to the nines and strut our stuff? At least once a year – and tonight’s the night! At this last evening event of convention, people usually pull out all the stops to have a glamorously good time. Prepare to dazzle and be dazzled!

10:00 pm-2:00 am Games & Hospitality Room open
For those who prefer a quieter evening, the Hospitality room will be open for lower-key socializing and board games.

2:00 am-4:00 am Hospitality Room Party

Sunday, July 15
11:00 am-1:30 pm Farewell Brunch
We’ll enjoy a brunch buffet as we reflect on our convention experiences with another creative activity and the ever-popular slide show. Deb Burgard, licensed counselor and co-author of the book, "Great Shape: First Fitness Guide for Large Women," will speak about expanding our community to include other facets of size acceptance.

1:30 pm-11:00 pm Extended Hospitality & Games Room
If you’re just not ready to say goodbye…

2:00 pm-4:00 pm Final Words
This workshop serves as a way for us to discuss our convention experiences and start integrating them into our everyday lives. Any feedback about what was especially meaningful or what you wish had been different is also quite welcome.

[butch]

That schedule is awesome, wish I were going so bad. Thanks for sharing this, and for your hard work on this, EG.

[liz (di-va)]

I am definitely gonna be there for as much as I can....

congrats on all your hard work, EG :).

I hope to see more midwestern-types there! There are only 2948750294867098724509872430985724098527409 of us.

[indy500tchr]

I hope to see more midwestern-types there! There are only 2948750294867098724509872430985724098527409 of us.

Is that number in pounds or people? ;)

[SummerG]

Finally booked my flight! I will be there with bells on! Not getting in till late on tuesday though... so hopefully there will be some stragglers around after the hospitality suite!

[Eclectic_Girl]

Finally booked my flight! I will be there with bells on! Not getting in till late on tuesday though... so hopefully there will be some stragglers around after the hospitality suite!

How late are we talking, here?

[SummerG]

How late are we talking, here?

I'm scheduled to arrive at 10:47pm... so i figure i won't get to the hotel till just when hospitality is closing. worse comes to worse, i'll crash early and be up for early for registration :)

[Starr_MI]

Hello everyone! I am brand new to the boards and can't believe I haven't explored them before. I found them this time because I am unexpectedly able to attend the convention in Chicago and was searching all over for more information. I was so happy to see so much! I cannot register until next week so maybe it is sent out then..anyway..I am so excited. I won't know a soul but Chicago is only 4 hrs driving distance and I have heard so many good things about past conventions. Any helpful hints for unexpected things to pack or maybe something that would make it a better experience?

[Theatrmuse/Kara]

Pack a couple of swim suits..............you will LOVE the pool parties. Also, just comfy and cute clothes for the workshops, a lovely sexy dress for the dance Saturday night and something for the themed dance Friday. Extra money or credit card for the auction and clothes shopping.

You are going to have a BLAST..........make sure you introduce yourself around and enjoy making all the new friends!

I am not able to go this year, but have made sooooo many dear, close friends....Carla, Sarah, Kristie and Roy, Mary, Kari, Sandie and Guy, Phyliss, Frances........too many to name! NAAFAians are the best..........the BBWs and their admirers and friends!:smitten:
Have a great time and enjoy yourself immensely,
Kara

[Starr_MI]

Thanks Kara! I will be there from Thursday thru Sunday so I will be able to attend one pool party and yes I am looking forward to it! How many people does a NAAFA Convention usually attract? I'm really sorry you are unable to go. Perhaps I will meet you at the next one? :)

[ashmamma84]

Unfortunately I won't be able to attend...we are leaving for vacation on Wed., the 11th.

[SummerG]

Hi.. just wanted to see if anyone out there needs a roommate, or wants to crash in my room tue-fri. i have a roommate for fri-sun... but would love to cut back on expenses even more so :)

[curveyme]

Hey, all my plans suddenly changed and instead of going to the Vegas Bash I'm going to Chicago!!
I just desparately need to find a roommate because I would like to stay at the conference hotel and its cost prohibitive by myself.
So, if anyone is going or knows someone going, needing a roomie -please contact me ASAP!!!
Btw: Looking for a female, non-smoking roomie. Thanks!!

[Eclectic_Girl]

I know someone - will PM you details.

[SoVerySoft]

I....


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GOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Catalina]

***********************SVS**********************

It's so good you get to go! And I know you'll have a good time. :-)

[SoVerySoft]

***********************SVS**********************

It's so good you get to go! And I know you'll have a good time. :-)

I wish you could go too! But I'll see you Labor Day. YAY!!!!!

[ashmamma84]

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GOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good for you! It made me sorta sad to read that you were going to have to sell your package --but hooray for lucking out!

I'm sad that I won't be able to meet all the fabu Dimmers, but take plenty of pics...as I'm nosey so I want to see. :)

[SoVerySoft]

Good for you! It made me sorta sad to read that you were going to have to sell your package --but hooray for lucking out!

I'm sad that I won't be able to meet all the fabu Dimmers, but take plenty of pics...as I'm nosey so I want to see. :)

Thanks so much :) I wish you were going. But you can be sure that I will take tons of pics. I always do!

[SummerG]

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GOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: YAY!!!!!! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[MLadyJ]

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GOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yeah>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[Happy FA]

I should be there as well... arriving on Thursday and leaving town early early on Sunday morning..

[liz (di-va)]

wheeyay! chicagy!

[SoVerySoft]

I should be there as well... arriving on Thursday and leaving town early early on Sunday morning..

Ah..making a cameo appearance!

We'll take it!

[SoVerySoft]

I don't know if others are flying Continental to the convention, but if so, I thought this was a good idea for those with e-tickets:

On the Continental site you can print your boarding pass 24 hours before your flight (which I am sure everyone knows) but they also have the option of requesting a fax of the return boarding pass. I am going to try that and give them the hotel's fax number (847-671-5406).

I think you still need to do it 24 hrs before, but I am sure there will be access at the hotel.

Here is how it is worded on the site:

Q. May I use continental.com check-in for my return flight even though I don't have access to a printer?
A. Yes. Simply choose the Request Fax option during the check-in process and have your boarding pass faxed to your location.